Nick Lowe and Dave Edmunds formed the backbone of the band Rockpile. They were both signed to different record labels which made it difficult to get them to appear officially together on the same album. This album appeared simultaneously with Edmunds' "Repeat when Necessary".

The album made it into both the U.S. and U.K. album charts and the single "Cruel to be Kind" reached number 12 in both countries.

Allmusic gave the album 5 out of 5 stars:

Quote:

It's an exceptional collection of inventive pop songs, delivered with vigor and energy, making it one of the great records of the new wave.